October 12, 2018

As the year is coming to an end and Fall like temperatures start to set in my staff and I would like to thank all the members and their guests this year. It has been a challenging year to say the least. We have already recorded record rainfall for the area and it is only mid October. We currently sit at 61″ total. I am highly disappointed to start out my first year at LCC with the weather conditions we have been presented, and unfortunately we were unable to showcase my staff and I’s full potential to create a fun and challenging course. This year has been filled with decisions to mow or not to mow, to pump bunkers or not to pump bunkers, to try to do this or wait for better weather, However, all the decisions I have made throughout the year is to better this course not only for this year, but for years to come. It has been the hardest year to manage turf in Western PA ever, and I feel with the shortcomings we have at LCC; drainage or the lack there of, soil profiles, organic matter, clay content and not enough sand, and bunkers continuously washing out, we maintained the course in playable conditions and did not jeopardize the turf health moving into next year. We are scheduled for Fall aerification the week of October 22nd. My staff and I will be performing at least 2 aerifications per year moving forward and topdressing the greens weekly throughout the growing season. The more sand profile we can build over the next 3-5 years the more firm and dry the greens will play. We will continue to install proper working drainage in areas that are needed throughout the year. This will help remove water from the surface faster, dry the course down faster, improve playing conditions, and allow carts out sooner. There is a lot of work to be done over the next several years, and I am beyond blessed and excited to be the man leading the charge. My staff and I have one goal; to provide the best and most enjoyable course for our members. Thank you all again for the understanding of this difficult year and we are looking forward to 2019 already!

Sincerely,
Your Turf Management Team